MBTA Parking is switching pay-by-phone providers starting 2/1/14

MBTA Parking is switching pay-by-phone providers starting 2/1/14.  Visit http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/parking/ or call 1-866-234-7275 for details. MBTA.com Last updated: Jan 13 2014 2:33 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/riding_the_t/parking/ Sent by the MBTA. Manage subscriptions Manage account Help (or write subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com)

Service change on Franklin Line train 731 will be held at South station until 12:30 AM on Wednesday and Thursday due to world series games

Yes, this is good news for the baseball fans looking to catch the last train out of Boston on Wednesday and Thursday.

------------

Service change on Franklin Line train 731 will be held at South station until 12:30 AM on Wednesday and Thursday due to world series games Last updated: Oct 22 2013 8:16 PM Sent by the MBTA. Manage subscriptions Manage account Help (or write support@govdelivery.com)

Beaver Street RR Crossing Work

Hello.  This is Gary Premo calling with an important traffic alert. 

The Mass Bay Commuter Rail will be rehabilitating the railroad crossing at BEAVER STREET.
The work will be done this Saturday, JULY 13th, between 6:00AM and 6:00PM. 

The BEAVER STREET railroad crossing will be CLOSED to thru traffic between RTE. 140 and GROVE STREET. Please avoid the area and plan accordingly.  Thank you.  Goodbye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938

If you have not already subscribed to these news alerts, you can do so here

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news

Shuttle buses replacing Franklin Line from 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM on Sat Jul 13, 2013 due to track work

When I saw the notice about Beaver St being closed for track work on Saturday, I expected to hear about what that work would do to the train schedule. The notification has arrived. There will be shuttle bus service between Forge Park and downtown Franklin to avoid the track work on Saturday. If you are going to Boston, simply start from downtown Franklin, don't use Forge Park. You'll avoid the shuttle!

In case you missed the earlier notification on Beaver St
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/beaver-street-railroad-crossing-closed.html

Shuttle buses replacing Franklin Line from 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM on Sat Jul 13, 2013 due to track work Affected stops: Franklin Forge Park / 495 Last updated: Jul 10 2013 7:16 AM Sent by the MBTA.  - Help (or write support@govdelivery.com )

MBTA: new alert service starting June 4

As a long time commuter rail rider, I still subscribe to the T-alerts. What are T-alerts?

An alert service that sends text messages or an email to your phone or mobile device when the line you are subscribed to is having trouble. Wonder why the train is late? Ah, technical difficulty or signal trouble, or police activity. The T-alerts have improved in timeliness over the years. So even though I drive down to RI now, I still subscribe for those occasions when I would take the train in on the weekend or to just keep tabs on what is happening with the Franklin line in particular.

MBTA

Beginning June 4, the MBTA will begin using a new service to send T-Alerts. As part of the transition, the MBTA is asking all current subscribers to re-subscribe in order to continue receiving T-Alerts. Visit http://bit.ly/10yX5zj to subscribe or learn more. You must re-subscribe by Thursday, June 4, in order to continue receiving T-Alerts. Thank you.

So if you have subscribed, you should have received the notice above about the change in the service. If you haven't subscribed, maybe now is a good time to do so. Why wait on the platform without knowing? Why not be 'in the know'!


You can select specific time periods of the day for a specific line. I happen to choose all the time periods for the Franklin Line and the email confirmation looks like this:

You have made the following changes to your Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority subscriptions:

You subscribed to topics:

• Franklin Line - AM Peak
• Franklin Line - Early AM
• Franklin Line - Evening
• Franklin Line - Midday
• Franklin Line - PM Peak
• Franklin Line - Weekend

You will receive an email update when new information becomes available.

MBTA Service Suspended - All routes

Service on the Franklin Line is listed as "normal" at this time suspended

All Southside Lines/Routes Attention Customers: per order of the MBTA Transit police all service is suspended until further notice. 4/19/2013 5:39 AM

For more current updates visit the MBTA webpage and subscribe to Alerts.
http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/

All Southside Lines/Routes Alert

Trains to Boston resume in the AM on Monday!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 10, 2013 11:23 AM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:

Regularly scheduled Commuter Rail service will resume at the start of service on Monday, February 11, 2013.

Please visit MBTA.com/Winter for full details.

Attention: Franklin MBTA Commuter Rail Riders

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Feb 7, 2013 7:23 PM
Subject: All Southside Lines/Routes Alert
To: "T-Alerts Notification"
Cc:

Due to severe weather, the last trains from South Station on Friday, February 8th, are the following:

 Fairmont Line: No. 759  3:30 PM
 Framingham/Worcester: No. P517 2:45 PM
 Franklin: No. 713  2:40 PM
 Greenbush: No. 079  2:27 PM
 Kingston/Plymouth: No. 041  2:47 PM
 Middleboro/Lakeville: No. 015  2:10 PM
 Needham: No. 617      3:00 PM
 Providence: No. 811   3:30 PM

 Inbound service to Boston will be suspended at 3:30 PM

MBTA Commuter Rail: Mobile Ticketing

Arriving at North Station commuter lines first, this will come to the Franklin Line as part of the second phase scheduled for later this November.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBTA Commuter Rail: Mobile Ticketing

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 11/13/12

Beginning this week, customers on four MBTA Commuter Rail Lines, north and west of Boston, will be able to use their smartphones instead of paper tickets to ride the train.

Under this first-in the nation mobile ticketing program, customers will be able to purchase tickets and passes using the MBTA mTicket app for iPhone and Android devices wherever they are. The tickets are displayed on the phone's screen as a digital 'flash pass' or encrypted barcode. The system uses the JustRide mobile ticketing platform from Masabi US Ltd.

"The new MBTA mTicket application is the latest innovation from MassDOT and the MBTA." said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "Customers will now have the ability to purchase tickets without waiting in lines meaning they get more time back in their day and more control over their commute."

With the new MBTA mTicket application, customers can purchase tickets in seconds via their smartphone. Once tickets are purchased, they will be stored digitally in their application's 'ticket wallet' on the phone. With this new application, customers don't have to worry about losing their ticket. If a smartphone is lost or replaced, tickets can be transferred effortlessly at any MBTA customer service location.

In the first phase of the pilot, MBTA commuter rail riders riding on the Lowell, Fitchburg, Haverhill, and Newbury/Rockport lines can purchase and use single or ten-ride tickets via their smartphone. The second phase of the pilot will expand the app to customers using the Commuter Boat and Worcester, Franklin, Fairmount, Providence, Greenbush, and Old Colony Commuter Rail Lines. Under the second phase of the pilot, which begins later this month, riders will also be able to purchase and use monthly passes via their smartphones.

Customers with smartphones will now be able to avoid the on-board purchase surcharge by using MBTA mTicket app. Additionally, the app eliminates the need to install new vending machines and lowers cash handling costs for the MBTA. To help combat fare evasion, all mobile tickets also have cryptographic validation. Train conductors will be checking tickets to ensure their validity.

Check out the video explaining mTicket.

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MBTA: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification"
Date: Oct 29, 2012 8:59 PM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes

Regularly scheduled MBTA service to resume at the start of service Tuesday, October 30, 2012, with the exception of Providence/Stoughton Line.

For updates, check MBTA.com/weather. 10/29/2012 8:53 PM

All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "T-Alerts Notification" <talerts@talerts.com>
Date: Oct 29, 2012 10:53 AM
Subject: All Modes of Service - All Lines/Routes
To: "T-Alerts Notification" <shersteve@gmail.com>

All MBTA Modes of Service will be suspended as of 2:00 PM, Monday, October 29, 2012. Please continue to check MBTA.com/weather for updates throughout the storm. 10/29/2012 10:47 AM

Sent to:shersteve@gmail.com

Two companies bidding to run the commuter rail system

For the Franklin commuters!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Two companies bidding to run the commuter rail system

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jeff Malachowski/Daily News staff on 9/1/12

Nearly a decade after acquiring the contract, officials with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. say riders have benefited from improvements to service and infrastructure. Despite service upgrades the past 10 years, company Chairman Jim O'Leary said there is still more work that needs to be done for riders of the 13 rail lines.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
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Riding the T could cost you $3 more

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Riding the T could cost you $3 more

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by David Riley/Daily News staff on 6/23/12

Commuter rail passengers will have to pay an extra $3 starting July 1 if they board a train without a ticket, even if there is nowhere to buy one at their stop.

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Free Silver Line Ride: Logan to South Station

The timing of this 'free ride' is interesting given the fare increase that kicks in soon. For Franklin area commuters, the train can deliver you to South Station and then it is a free transfer via the Silver Line to Logan Airport.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Free Silver Line Ride: Logan to South Station

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 6/5/12

Massport, MassDOT, and the MBTA are teaming up to raise customer awareness of public transit options to and from Logan Airport.

The transportation partners today announced a three-month "On Us" pilot program that will let Logan passengers board for free inbound Silver Line bus service to South Station.

The pilot begins on June 6 and runs through September 3, 2012. Massport is offering the service in an effort to improve high occupancy vehicle (HOV) usage and improve terminal curbside traffic flow.

"Thanks to transportation reform, MassDOT, Massport and the MBTA are working together to test an ambitious plan to reduce the growing number of passenger vehicles on-airport, and encourage the use of public transportation and other HOV alternatives," said MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey, who chairs the Massport Board.

The Silver Line started service in 2006 and is key to Massport's promotion of HOV ridership to and from the airport to reduce congestion at the terminal curbs and on airport roadways, as well as reduce vehicle emissions. Massport purchased eight clean-fuel Silver Line buses in 2005.

"As Logan passenger numbers grow, our footprint, roadways and terminal curbs cannot grow with them so increasing HOV usage – Logan already is a national leader in HOV usage – is critical to the airport functioning as we head north of the 30 million passenger number," said David S. Mackey, Massport's Interim CEO & Executive Director.

The "On Us" pilot is the latest effort to attract Logan customers to public transit. Earlier this year the MBTA began offering real-time arrival information of the Silver Line to South Station from each terminal and improved signage within Terminal C directing passengers to the "T." Improved signage will be rolled out in the remaining terminals this year; and an advertising campaign promoting the use of the Silver Line and Blue Line to and from the airport.

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• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
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MBTA halting 12-ride punch card

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBTA halting 12-ride punch card

via Boston Business News - Local Boston News | Boston Business Journal on 4/9/12

The MBTA plans to retire the 12-ride commuter rail punch card and its six-month expiration as of July 1, replacing it with a 10-ride pass good for a mere 30 days, the Boston Globe reports. As the Globe reports, the punch card is open to abuse, in which users can stretch the card well beyond the 12-ride limit, which means lost revenue for the cash-strapped T.

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MBTA: Letter to Our Customers

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Letter to Our Customers

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 3/28/12

By Richard A. Davey, MassDOT Secretary and CEO and Jonathan Davis, MBTA Acting GM


Let us start by first thanking each and every one of the nearly 6,000 individuals who attended our public meetings over the last several months and the thousands more who wrote in via email or letter. We understand that the MBTA is a lifeline for many of you, without which you may not be able to get to work, school or recreational activities.

It is because of your overwhelming engagement that our final recommendation to the MBTA board includes what we believe are modest fare increases and limited service changes. While both are necessary to close the $185 million gap we face next year, the proposals we released in January would have had a significantly greater impact than our final plan.

MassDOT and the MBTA have identified a number of savings and efficiencies and one-time financial actions that can be taken to reduce the operating deficit, thus reducing the need for the larger fare increases and service reductions originally proposed. Some of the most significant actions include enrollment of MBTA staff in a new, lower cost health care program, energy purchase savings and a reduction in Authority headcount of 51 positions. Additionally, the T implemented a hiring freeze for non-critical positions.

Today, we are proposing an overall 23 percent increase in fares, which will generate $72.9 million in revenue. This is the first time in more than five years that the MBTA would raise fares. Every other major public transit system across the country has raised its fares during this time period. Many have also reduced service.

What does this mean for riders? For CharlieCard users, the subway will now cost $2 per ride. Local bus service will cost $1.50. Students and seniors will each pay $0.75 for a bus trip and $1 for a subway ride. Building on your ideas, we will offer a new 7-day student pass in addition to the current weekday-only student pass.

The RIDE, our paratransit service, will also see price changes.  Over the last decade, the cost of providing the RIDE has increased more than 400%, requiring a growing slice of our operating budget.  As in both previous proposals, no current RIDE customers will lose service.  For RIDE trips required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the fare will be $4.  For non-ADA required trips, the new premium fare will be $5 per trip.

Commuter rail single trip and monthly passes would be increased an average of 29 percent, depending upon the zone of travel. Ferry prices will be increased an average of 35 percent.
Overwhelmingly, we heard your calls to protect your service. We worked diligently to identify additional efficiencies, some legislative changes and $61 million in one-time revenues that allowed us to avoid massive service cuts next year. Those one-time sources include $51 million from MassDOT's Motor Vehicle Inspection Trust Fund; $5 million in MassDOT snow and ice surplus funds; and $5 million from leasing the North Station Garage.

Coupled with the smaller fare increase, we are proposing $15.4 million in service changes for next year, including the elimination of four weekday bus routes and modifications to 14 others. Under our proposal certain bus lines would run less frequently and others would see their routes altered.

On commuter rail, we will continue to operate full weekday service during our current service hours.  However, we will eliminate all weekend service on the Greenbush and Kingston/Plymouth Lines as well as Saturday service on the Needham line.
Based on your feedback, we are proposing to maintain ferry service at a higher cost to customers. We will, however, eliminate the low-ridership Quincy ferry service on the weekends.

To close the remaining gap, we will seek legislative authorization to use $51 million from the Motor Vehicle Inspection Fund, a fund that is dedicated to promoting green transportation. Without this, the air pollution impacts of cutting more service would be significant. We will also use $5 million in surplus snow and ice funds, and $5 million in other one-time savings.
We understand that even these moderate changes we are proposing today will have a significant impact on some of our customers, and we appreciate that. But we have an obligation to balance our books and to be honest with each of you about the cost of service.

This is not a permanent budget solution.  As our fixed costs continue to grow, we anticipate the MBTA will have to close another deficit next year.  While we have avoided drastic service cuts this year, we may not be able to in the future.  The Governor and I will continue to work towards a long-term solution to our transportation funding issues and we ask you to remain engaged with us in that conversation.

The MBTA will continue to do everything it can to improve your commuting experience despite our fiscal challenges. We heard many good ideas from all of you, and we ask for your continued engagement in this conversation. It is because of your involvement in the process that we are here today.

A full report on our recommendations can be found at www.mbta.com
Thank you.

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In the News - suburban poor, town clerks, train fights

Wellesley panel focuses on suburban poor

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

Town clerks head for Beacon Hill workshop

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Fights mar ride home after Franklin High loss

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Video Documentary: MBTA After Hours

As a long time rider of the MBTA from Franklin into Boston, I often wondered what did go on over night. Some work clearly needed to be done during the day but much of the work also needs to be done off hours. Kudos to MassDOT for putting this together. Skip a TV show tonight and spend 45 minutes finding out the inside story on the night time work!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Video Documentary: MBTA After Hours

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/8/12

A new documentary "Boston Under: After Hours" released this week tells the important story of MBTA employees working overnight to perform daily maintenance and make necessary repairs to get the trains and buses ready to roll beginning at 5:15am each day for millions of customers.

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MBTA Fare, Service Hearings Continue

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBTA Fare, Service Hearings Continue

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 1/19/12

The MBTA recently proposed fare and service changes to help close the MBTA's $161 budget deficit for FY2013.  The MBTA is holding more than 20 public meetings to allow T riders to be heard about the proposed changes and thanks all those who participated in the first four meetings.
The public discussion continues next week with the following public meetings:

Monday January 23, Boston- 1:00-3:00 PM, Transportation Building, Floor 2 Conference Rooms 2-3, 10 Park Plaza
Monday, January 23, Boston- 4:30-6:30 PM, Transportation Building, Floor 2 Conference Rooms 2-3, 10 Park Plaza

Tuesday, January 24, Attleboro- 4:30-8:00 PM, Attleboro High School, 100 Rathbun Willard Drive
Wednesday, January 25, Salem - 6:00-8:00 PM, City Hall Annex 3rd Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
For a full list of future public meetings and information, please visit MBTA.com/join the discussion.

Have your voice heard by sending an email with your questions, comments, and ideas to fareproposal@mbta.com.

The MBTA's public outreach process continues with the acceptance of public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma  02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146.

A final fare increase and service reduction recommendation will be made to the MBTA's Board of Directors this spring and changes will be implemented on July 1, 2012.

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In the News - rail crossing, man falls

Franklin rail crossing malfunction fixed

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Rhode Island man falls from Franklin roof

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff